Peoria Standard

House Deputy Minority Leader Ryan Spain (R-Peoria) stood alongside families and fellow legislators today at a press conference, urging the preservation of the Invest in Kids Tax Credit Scholarship Program. With the program set to expire on January 1, 2024, if no action is taken, thousands of families across Illinois will lose access to these crucial scholarships.

Speaking at the press conference, Representative Spain emphasized the importance of the program, saying, "It is absolutely essential that the General Assembly preserve the Invest in Kids scholarship program. There is broad support throughout the state and in the legislature to continue this program that has helped thousands of families pursue a brighter future through improved educational opportunities. We need leadership from the Governor and courage from the Speaker to call a vote and ensure these families and children are not left behind by a failure to act."

The Invest in Kids Tax Credit Scholarship Program, enacted in 2017, provides a 75% income tax credit to individuals and businesses that contribute to qualified Scholarship Granting Organizations. These organizations then offer scholarships to students from families that meet income requirements, allowing them to attend qualified non-public schools and technical academies in Illinois. Since its inception in the 2018-2019 school year, more than 40,000 scholarships have been awarded, benefiting nearly 10,000 students in the 2022-2023 school year alone.

Representative Spain shared his personal experience, stating, "In 2020, when the plug was pulled on my family, we had the means to find an alternative to ensure our children had access to a quality education. Sadly, however, the families and children who benefit from Invest in Kids scholarships do not have the same means and would be devastated if we fail to preserve this program. We cannot allow a quality education to only be available to some families."

While several proposals have been filed to preserve the program, House Speaker Chris Welch has not committed to allowing legislation to be voted on by members of the Illinois House of Representatives. The fate of the Invest in Kids Tax Credit Scholarship Program hangs in the balance as families and legislators continue their fight to ensure access to quality education for all students in Illinois.

For video coverage of the press conference, including remarks from parents whose children have received scholarships through the program, please click here.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://repryanspain.com/2023/11/07/rep-spain-joined-by-families-fighting-to-save-invest-in-kids-scholarship-program/